Kennedy Center Votes for Significant Renaming to Trump-Kennedy Center, Per Administration Statement.
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The leadership board of the iconic performing arts venue has voted to be renamed the Trump-Kennedy Center, per an announcement by the White House.
Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt declared online that the board's vote was unified, attributing it to "the extraordinary job President Trump has done over the last year in preserving the building."
"This will be a truly great team long into the future! The building will no doubt attain new levels of prestige and accomplishment," Leavitt added.
The planned renaming is shaping up as highly controversial, particularly in Washington, D.C., where the center has stood as an beloved institution since its founding and dedication for President John F. Kennedy.
Recent History of the Institution
Soon after taking office, President Donald Trump fired all the center's existing board members and appointed supporters in their positions. The newly constituted board then voted to name Trump the chairman.
The president was instrumental in securing approximately $257 million in federal funds to cover significant upgrades and other financial needs at the aging venue.
Original Concept
The idea for a national performing arts center originated in the 1950s. Following the assassination of President John F. Kennedy, the 35th president, in 1963, the future venue was named in his honor.
Further details are emerging. Further context will be added as it becomes available.
